Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 26, 1995 TAG: 9506260095
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
4 The July Fourth holiday is a favorite of boaters, but those who do too much celebrating with alcohol could end up in big trouble with state game wardens. Or, end up dead.
More people will die in alcohol-related accidents this Fourth of July than on any other day of the year, according to BOAT/U.S., the nation's largest organization of recreational boaters. There could be as many as 60 deaths on the nation's waterways on the Fourth, and alcohol will be a factor in almost half, said the organization.
Virginia Game Wardens will concentrate law enforcement efforts on several selected spots to target alcohol use, said Capt. John Heslep, a warden who oversees enforcement on Smith Mountain Lake.
BOAT/U.S. urges boat owners to appoint a qualified designated skipper for holiday boating. Another way to stay safe on the water this summer is to take a boating safety course. The next available one in Roanoke is 7 p.m. July 11, at the Safety Council of Southwest Virginia on Colonial Avenue. Call 344-4676 to register.
\ Next best thing to bowhunting
6 Bob Seltzer, the hunting vice president of the Virginia Bowhunters Association, urges members to use the summer months to become more proficient hunters.
``Get out to your club and shoot,'' is his advice.
Three-dimensional archery targets have made practice more fun than ever. And opportunities to shoot 3-D are abundant. Sherwood Archers has scheduled five 3-D shoots this month. Most, like those set for July 6, 13, 20 and 27, are 5 to 7 p.m. One, July 9, is classified as a trophy shoot and takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, contact Steve Smith, 345-4945.
The New River Bowhunters and Wal-Mart of Galax have scheduled a Children's Miracle Network 3-D tournament July 29 and 30 near Galax. For information or to register, call Bobby Utt, 703-728-9411 or Tony Hall, 703-236-8379.
\ Mountain biker can lap up fun
10 The Big Lick HillBillies - that is a mountain biking, not bluegrass, outfit - will hold a series of lap events in the Hanging Rock-Carvins Cove- Brushy Mountain area beginning July 10.
``These rides are designed as a fun way to elevate heart rate and increase riding skills,'' said host Dick Howard.
The events begin at 6:05 p.m. with lap times of approximately 30 to 50 minutes. They will combine tough climbing, mellow climbing, technical and nontechnical and down-hilling that is so exceptional it is called the ``gauntlet.'' The rides begin at the dead end of Timberview Drive, a tucked-away, quiet, little street stretching from Hanging Rock to the tip of Carvins Cove. The rides will be held every other Monday except Labor Day through Oct. 23.
For information, contact Howard, 387-1795, or Kyle Inman, 981-1034.
\ Canoeing the New to Bluff City
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By mid-July, many streams often are too low for serious canoeing, but not the New River. It continues to provide plenty of water, plenty of thrills, plenty of scenic vistas. Floating it is a fine way to enjoy a July day.
Members of the Roanoke Valley Float Fishermen of Virginia plan to do just that July 15, with a trip from Pembroke to Bluff City. Ron Cooper, 989-6705, is the leader.
This float is one of a series of monthly outings sponsored by the club, which also meets 7:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month at C.C.'s Restaurant in Hanging Rock.
\ Cooling off camping high
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You can expect temperatures to heat up at the end of July, which makes it a dandy time to camp in the high country where the evening breezes remain cool. There is no better place than the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and the adjoining Grayson Highlands State Park south of Marion. Both offer a choice: You can stay in a family campground or you can backpack into the wilds and peg your tent where nightfall finds you.
Family campgrounds include Beartree on U.S. 58 seven miles east of Damascus; Grindstone on Virginia 603 west of Troutdale; and Grayson Highlands State Park on U.S. 58 between Independence and Damascus.
Jumping off spots for backpackers include Massie Gap in the state park and Elk Garden Gap on Virginia 600 north of U.S. 58.
by CNB